Sr Creative and Design Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

100027 Ofc University Mkting & Comms

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 112

Compensation Range:

$70,197.00 - $105,295.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Serves as the creative solutions lead for University Marketing and Communications and institutional partners, offering creative leadership, delivering innovative design, that elevates brand impact and meets strategic goals. This role functions as both a hands-on designer and a consulting partner, working directly with colleagues across the university to understand needs, provide expert guidance, and develop compelling creative solutions. Establishes, maintains, and manages creative asset libraries and standards for marketing campaigns and initiatives. Manages resources and relationships across the University to ensure alignment of creative strategies in accordance with University brand guidelines. Proactively identifies areas for greater coordination and partners with stakeholders throughout the University when tailored solutions are required. Manages junior team member(s) and leads relationships and production with bench of freelancers and vendors— ensuring work aligns with institutional branding, voice, and values.

A problem-solver, strategic-thinker and leader who translates big-picture marketing strategies to implementable, scalable creative solutions. A dot-connector who understands how creative and marketing efforts work together to build our brand, this role ensures projects stay on-time and on-budget while managing relationships and mobilizing resources to meet goals. Provides counsel and recommendations to the Creative Director and AVP of Marketing as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Creative Solutions & Brand Leadership

• Leads the design and production of creative solutions projects across a variety of channels (digital, print, social, etc.).
• Balances creative excellence with functionality, accessibility, and brand alignment.
• Advises institutional partners on brand guidelines and how creative can support broader business goals. Provides guidance, triages or redirects requests, and educates partners in diplomatic manner.
• Translates strategy into actionable creative solutions and helps shape campaign development when needed.

Client Partnership & Strategic Counsel

• Serves as primary point of contact for internal partners requiring design solutions. Identifies opportunities and challenges and offers creative solutions.
• Provides strategic counsel to marketing communications colleagues, and leads response to creative questions and project requests from the broader university community.
• Serves as administrator for Marq brand management system and trademark and licensing system, reviews and approves work from University partners and vendors, troubleshoots, and continually develops new solutions to ensure brand compliance and creative effectiveness.
• Maintains strong client relationships and sets clear expectations on timelines, deliverables, and process in collaboration with the project manager.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Serves as member of creative leadership team.
• Supervises and/or mentors junior creative staff member(s), freelancers, and vendors, providing guidance, feedback, and strategic lens. Delegates tasks while supporting professional growth and high-quality outcomes.
• Leads and maintains relationships and communication with a bench of freelance designers and vendors, ensuring brand guidelines are followed and products are compliant.
• In partnership with departmental leadership and the HR Business Partner as appropriate, manages all HR needs of direct report(s), including hiring, onboarding, goa